temperamental

adjective

ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
Definition of temperamentalnext
1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of temperamental Weather can be temperamental in the spring, but wildlife emerges from winter slumbers at this time of year. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 As the lead singer of Connect 3, Shane can be temperamental and arrogant. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Ormund, the snooty, temperamental head of House Hightower, is shown charred beyond recognition in the episode's final moments. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 The temperamental Moon in your 11th House of Friends squares passionate Mars in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, stirring tension around trust, contribution, and control. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
  1. moody
  2. volatile
  3. impulsive
  4. unpredictable
  5. unstable
Adjective
  • Rooms Las Alcobas offers a moody-luxe atmosphere with a touch of Mexican influence throughout its 35 surprisingly spacious suites and three penthouses, where dark rosewood and fresh, fragile orchids take center stage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Also intertwined are ancient myths of warring city-states, the raw, moody poetry of John Keats, and the modern battle between a faithless husband and his wife, the poem’s raging speaker.
    — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of moody
Adjective
  • Instead, the name of the game is to create pockets of stability in an inherently volatile business.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Targeting a smaller raise could protect a higher valuation, but might trigger skepticism over how the AI firm will fund its massive infrastructure needs in a volatile bond market.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • The basal ganglia get better at their job during the first thirty years of life; this is partly why kids are more impulsive and restless than adults.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Low self-control, in contrast, is a core contributing factor to numerous problems, including substance abuse and impulsive buying.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of impulsive
Adjective
  • Holy Cross and the Lower Ninth Ward that borders it are known for their quiet ambiance, grocery store deserts, and drawbridge access with unpredictable hours.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Frost leaves orchard with few apples to harvest The unpredictable weather has forced the farm to adjust to get through the season.
    — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Since Oppenheim and Fielder can’t record her there, their contact is mediated through her seemingly unstable and controlling husband, Billy Evans.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Lycopene can help protect blood vessels from the damaging effects of unstable molecules known as free radicals.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of unstable

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Cite this Entry

“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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